Duterte spokesman attempts to clarify Hitler comments

By Roy Ramos

ZAMBOANGA CITY, the Philippines (AA) – A day after the Philippines’ president referred to Adolf Hitler while defending his bloody campaign against illegal drugs, his spokesman has attempted to clarify that Rodrigo Duterte was trying to deflect critics’ comparisons of him and the Nazi leader.

After Duterte’s comments drew international criticism, Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella assured Saturday that the Philippines “recognizes the deep significance of the Jewish experience especially their tragic and painful history”.

“We do not wish to diminish the profound loss of 6 million Jews in the Holocaust -- that deep midnight of their story as a people,” the Philippine Daily Inquirer quoted him saying in a statement.

Upon his return to Davao City from a visit to Vietnam early Friday, Duterte lashed out at critics before referring to the Holocaust in saying that he would be “happy to slaughter” 3 million drug addicts.

“So if you are here, why wouldn't you curse? You're portrayed or pictured to be some cousin of Hitler,” he said.

"Hitler massacred three million Jews. Now, there are three million drug addicts. I'd be happy to slaughter them," he added.

On Saturday, Abella said, “Hitler murdered 6 million innocent civilians whereas Duterte was referencing to his ‘willingness to kill’ 3 million criminal drug dealers -- to save the future of the next generation and the country. Those are two entirely different things.”

He described Duterte’s comments as being aimed at deflecting comparisons of him and the Nazi leader -- "a label, which the President does not accept”.

Duterte has repeatedly slammed critics of his bloody campaign against illegal drugs -- which include the United States, the United Nations and the European Union -- often using expletive-laden statements.

According to the Philippines national police, more than 3,000 drug-related killings have been reported since Duterte assumed office June 30.

Of the 3,000 deaths, around 1,490 are under investigation as of Sept. 10 with authorities blaming suspected vigilante groups.

Duterte won the May 9 election on a crime-fighting campaign, and has pledged to curb corruption and criminality within three to six months.

Earlier this month, he requested a six-month extension of his “self-imposed” timeline, saying, “I did not realize how severe and how serious the problem of drug menace in this Republic until I became President.”